‘225 Dine’: Blend soon to be wining and dining downtown

The duo behind Serrano’s Salsa Company and the Edible Event, Andy Blouin and Sean Malone, are teaming up with Mike Labat, owner of Puncher’s, and turning their winning combination into a new wine-bar concept downtown called Blend. Though it will take over the space formerly occupied by the Wine Loft at 304 Laurel Street, the concept “is very different from the typical wine bar,” says marketing director Celeste Landry. The plan is to feature boutique wines from small vineyards in Napa, Sonoma and France—wines most guests may not be familiar with. “We hope to really awaken their taste buds,” says Landry. Blend’s bartenders will also serve up signature cocktails made with fresh fruit and muddled spices. In addition to drinks, patrons will be offered a tapas menu consisting of light dishes, like salads and flatbreads. There will also be a chocolate menu featuring delicious wine and artisanal chocolate pairings, much as other restaurants might offer a cheeseboard. Signature desserts will be on the menu, too. Blend is tentatively set to open on or before May 26. Join the mailing list at BlendBR.com for more information. —Rachael Upton Read the rest of this week’s 225 Dine e-newsletter here.